On-Ramp to Career Pathways Competitive Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Adult Career Pathways (ACP) is accepting proposals for the State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Pathways to Prosperity – On-Ramp to Career Pathways Competitive Grant. The ACP develops and implements workforce training programs to serve Minnesotans who face multiple barriers to employment and require enhanced education, wrap-around support, and career services to achieve long-term, family-sustaining wages. The program aims to reduce racial disparities, close economic gaps, and improve access to high-growth, high-wage jobs. The On-Ramp to Career Pathways program is designed to serve Minnesota residents from specific target populations who are at least 18 years old, not enrolled in K-12 education, and who face multiple barriers to employment. Participants will receive remedial adult learning, work readiness instruction, navigation services, wrap-around support, and On-Ramp certificate training in relevant, in-demand industry sectors. Training will include contextualized foundational academic skills, English language learning if needed, and result in one or more work readiness and occupational skills certificates. All programs must partner with a Minnesota Department of Education Adult Basic Education consortia member. The total available funding across all Pathways to Prosperity programs is $18,300,000 for SFY 2026–2027, with up to $200,000 available per organization per year for a maximum of $400,000. Awards will be equally divided between the two fiscal years. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process, reviewed by DEED staff and community experts in workforce development, education, and industry. Proposals will be evaluated on organizational capacity, program design, work plan, outreach, partnerships, performance measurement, and budget. To the extent possible, DEED will avoid partial awards but may issue them to meet geographic and community equity objectives. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local government units (including Tribal governments), community action agencies, business organizations, trade associations, alternative secondary institutions, post-secondary institutions, and labor organizations. All applicants must be registered and in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, meet applicable IRS requirements, and maintain a physical location in Minnesota. Partnerships must include at least one employer partner, one workforce development organization, and one Adult Basic Education partner. Programs must align with high-growth industries identified in Minnesota’s regional workforce development areas. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via email to ACPgrants.deed@state.mn.us with the subject “P2P On-Ramp Application – [organization name]” by 5:00 p.m. CST on September 4, 2025. The RFP was posted July 14, 2025, with an informational webinar on July 23, 2025, and a question period ending August 28, 2025. Awards will be announced October 15, 2025, with the grant term running from execution through June 30, 2027. No costs may be incurred prior to execution. Grantees will be required to use DEED’s Workforce One case management system, report on performance metrics such as job placement, retention, earnings, and credential attainment, and participate in required trainings and evaluation efforts. They must comply with all state and federal grant policies, bidding requirements, affirmative action and non-discrimination laws, and other applicable regulations. The primary contact for this RFP is Jenilee Drilling, Lead ACP Program Coordinator, at Jenilee.drilling@state.mn.us. Alternative formats are available upon request by contacting DEED at 651-259-7530.

Attend DEED’s grant writing training sessions; align with priorities; ensure measurable outcomes; submit all forms on time.